My mother was a farm wife and a prodigious canner. She canned fruit and vegetables from the garden, even occasionally meat. But the best thing that she canned, in my opinion, was blackberry jam. Even as I type those words my mouth waters! Of course, before she could make that jam, somebody had to pick the blackberries. And that somebody was quite often named Dorothy. I think Seamus Heaney might have spent some time among the briars plucking those delicious black fruits as well, so he would have known that "Once off the bush the fruit fermented, the sweet flesh would turn sour." They don't keep; you have to get that jam made in a hurry! Blackberry-Picking by Seamus Heaney Late August, given heavy rain and sun For a full week, the blackberries would ripen. At first, just one, a glossy purple clot Among others, red, green, hard as a knot. You ate that first one and its flesh was sweet Like thickened wine: summer's blood was in it Leaving stains upon the tongue and lust ...
That is a beautiful bird. No wonder you are excited!
ReplyDeleteThey don't get this far south every winter. This is the first time I've had any in my yard since 2013, so it is always exciting when they do show up.
DeleteI haven't seen any here yet. Keeping a look out for them though. Great photos!
ReplyDeleteI've still only seen that one, but surely others will show up soon.
DeleteCute little bird! :-)
ReplyDeleteThey are tiny birds and very active. Also very combative at the feeders. They're always arguing with their neighbors. May not be pleasant for the neighbors but it is fun to watch.
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